An integrated approach to the study of Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the female genital tract.

The two major aims of this thesis were firstly, to provide a basis for an integrated approach to study the oculogenital biovar of Chlamydia trachomatis in order to explain the complex and varied course of female genital tract infection; and secondly, to use the understanding gained through this approach to suggest possible intervention strategies. To accomplish this end, the projects conducted and reported upon in the thesis fall into four categorical sections. Part I of the thesis addresses the bacterial factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of infection using both in vitro observations and an in vivo experimental murine model. In Part II, host immunogenetic factors are analyzed using gene knockout mice and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of human genes. In Part III, the efficacy of prophylactic intervention on the susceptibility and course of female genital tract infection with C. trachomatis in the mouse is evaluated. Finally, in Part IV, the natural immune response to the pathogen and the relationship that these responses have on conferring protection and/or contributing to the pathology of disease are investigated to bring us closer to the ultimate protective intervention strategy: a vaccine against C. trachomatis. This article summarizes the aims and results of the thesis, followed by a general discussion and conclusions.